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Practical writing on practice equity, buyouts, concentration risk, and the tax questions that shape a CPA's retirement.
Working past 65 can keep employer coverage in place, but Medicare Part A can reach backward and turn recent HSA deposits into excess contributions. Here’s how CPA firm owners can coordinate the dates.
Learn how cash balance plans can help late-career CPAs accelerate retirement savings while balancing tax, cash flow, and plan design tradeoffs.
Learn how CPAs and firm owners can automate retirement savings, reduce financial drift, and build a system that keeps long-term goals moving.
Picture a CPA practice owner with a clean retirement date in mind. The calendar seems reasonable, the firm has value, the revenue base is steady, and the practice has supported a good lifestyle for years. The owner expects that a sale, buyout, or succession arrangement will help finish the retirement plan. Then the sale year […]
How long could your lifestyle last without income? Learn your runway, calculate burn rate, and plan for taxes, inflation, and healthcare costs.
Many CPA firm owners hold most of their net worth in the practice. Learn how to tame that concentration risk and build a more resilient retirement plan.
Learn how to integrate your CPA firm buyout with your 401(k) to manage risk, taxes, and cash flow in a cohesive retirement strategy.
Learn how CPA firm owners can use SEP, SIMPLE, 401(k), and cash balance plans to cut taxes now while building a stronger retirement.
New Year, New Priorities: A 12‑Month Retirement Action Plan for CPA Firm Owners It’s early January. You’ve wrapped up year-end work, deadlines are piling up again, and your firm’s numbers look strong. Then it hits you: you’ve spent another year fine‑tuning strategies for everyone else while your own retirement strategy is still on the “later” […]
Retirement planning is ultimately about building confidence in your long-term financial picture. Markets move, tax laws change, and interest rates rarely sit still for long. In this shifting environment, many practice owners look for strategies that provide steadiness and a way to create order and predictability without sacrificing flexibility. Bond laddering has long been one […]
Integrating Retirement Planning Across Succession Phases In Part 1, we looked at how retirement planning strengthens the core pillars of a CPA firm’s succession strategy, from retaining key staff to easing buyouts and managing liquidity. Today, we’re taking the next step: walking through each phase of a real-world succession—Preparation, Transition, and Post-Transition—and showing how retirement […]
Aligning Retirement Plans with Key Succession Goals Many CPA firm owners are in their 50s and 60s, nearing the typical retirement horizon. Yet studies indicate that only about 41% of accounting firms have a formal succession plan in place. icpas.org That means a majority haven’t fully mapped out who will take over the reins when […]
The year is drawing to a close, and if you’re approaching retirement, you could be facing a unique window of opportunity. You’re likely closing client books and sending out tax reminders. At the same time, you could be implementing strategies that reduce your own taxes, bolster retirement savings, and set the stage for a smooth […]
In 1983, Congress rewired Social Security to survive another generation. Among other shifts, that law set a slow-motion rise in the Full Retirement Age that would not fully hit until those born in 1960 reached their sixties. The last decade brought more change. Popular maneuvers like file-and-suspend and restricted applications faded into the history books, […]
It’s December, and you realize you’ll owe a hefty sum to the IRS. Instead of writing that check to Uncle Sam, what if you could funnel a big chunk of that money into your own retirement savings and get a tax break for doing so? The final quarter is a critical window for CPAs who […]
High income and successful business growth come with a catch: greater exposure to taxes, market volatility, and estate planning challenges. In an era of rising tax uncertainty and longer lifespans, even financially savvy professionals can feel overwhelmed by how to shield wealth from taxes while securing a comfortable retirement. The good news is that there […]
Over decades of building your CPA practice, you’ve focused on balance sheets and bottom lines. But as retirement approaches, a new question looms: how will you balance giving back with winding down? In other words, what kind of legacy do you want to leave, and what’s the smartest way to do it? For many CPA […]
Over your career as a CPA practice owner, you’ve likely built up a variety of financial assets – from retirement accounts to maybe a couple of insurance policies. As retirement approaches, it’s natural to wonder if you’ve structured everything optimally. One area that often flies under the radar is how your insurance policies are owned. […]
Imagine looking up from a busy tax season and discovering that Congress just passed a sweeping new tax law with the audacious name “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” Signed into law over the July 4, 2025 weekend, this multitrillion-dollar package blends major tax cuts with spending changes to the social safety net1. As a CPA […]
In Part One, we established the foundational framework for Social Security claiming decisions: understanding how your claiming age affects benefits, analyzing break-even scenarios, evaluating personal health and longevity expectations, considering work status implications, and assessing immediate financial needs. These core factors create the analytical foundation every CPA needs before diving into more sophisticated optimization strategies. […]
One of the most pivotal questions you’ll face when planning your retirement will likely be: When should I start claiming my Social Security benefits? It’s a more complex decision than it might appear. Modern retirement planning has evolved: Americans are living longer, nest eggs often need to stretch further, and interest rates and markets fluctuate. […]
Learn how the Mega Backdoor Roth 401(k) lets high-earning CPA practice owners contribute $40k+ more into tax-free retirement savings, legally and strategically.
Learn how protecting intellectual property can boost your CPA firm’s value, support succession and estate planning, and create passive retirement income.
Learn how CPA practice owners can use executive compensation strategies to reward key staff, retain talent, and secure long-term retirement success.
Form your own captive insurance company to cut risk, slash taxes, and grow retirement wealth for your CPA firm.
Most CPA owners have their wealth tied up in their firm. Learn how to turn your business into a retirement income stream with smart planning and tax moves.
Explore how CPAs can use strategic leverage to strengthen client portfolios, manage risk, and enhance long-term financial outcomes.
Is your blended family putting your CPA practice succession and personal legacy at needless financial risk?
As a CPA practice owner, you’ve devoted years to building your business. But have you considered how that business will fund your retirement? To exit on your terms with a comfortable retirement, you need a plan to turn your illiquid business into reliable retirement income. Your practice is likely one of your largest assets, yet […]
Learn how to invest in Opportunity Zones in 2025 to defer capital gains taxes and grow your wealth. Discover key benefits, risks, and investment strategies.
Discover why CPA practice owners face unique estate liquidity challenges from forced asset sales to tax complications.
Ready to maximize the value of your CPA practice for a seamless exit? Discover strategies to retain clients, boost practice metrics, and optimize sale structure.
Could your CPA practice exit completely tax-free? Discover how Section 1202's QSBS provision could help you save millions.
Simplify and enhance your retirement plan with the 7 key financial accounts CFPs need for optimal retirement readiness.
Navigate crucial 2025 retirement planning updates affecting CPA practice owners, from enhanced catch-up provisions to new IRA limits.
Explore essential estate planning strategies specifically for CPAs in 2025 to help safeguard assets and secure your legacy.
Explore how CPA owners can leverage CRTs and CLTs for tax efficiency and legacy planning before the TCJA expiration in 2026.
Help ensure your CPA practice’s stability by balancing cash reserves for emergencies and growth. Learn strategies to protect your business and seize opportunities.
Learn why cash reserves are essential for managing risk, handling emergencies, and seizing new investment opportunities without disrupting your portfolio.
With over 4.4 million partnerships in the U.S. alone (and $3.9 trillion in income passed through to partners in 2021), it’s clear that a multitude of businesses have plenty on the line when it comes to their inevitable transitions and dissolutions, including CPA firms like your own. In our last article, we showcased how key-person […]
Protect your CPA practice and retirement goals with Key Person Insurance. Plan ahead to mitigate risks from losing essential team members.
Discover how to create a flexible health benefits package with HSAs and HRAs that keeps costs manageable, supports employees, and enhances your CPA practice.
Maximize your CPA practice’s retirement contributions, tax savings, and benefits before year-end with strategic planning tips
Help your child build long-term wealth with a Custodial Roth IRA, teaching financial discipline while gaining tax advantages. Learn how to set them up for success.
Thinking about retiring early as a CPA? More time, better health—but also more risks! Learn how to plan for a retirement that’s both fulfilling and secure.
Learn how to teach kids financial literacy through budgeting, saving, and investing. Equip them with essential money skills for a secure future!
Discover how annuities can provide guaranteed income and protect your retirement savings from market volatility and inflation risks.
Discover how a sedentary workplace can harm your health and explore long-term care insurance options to ensure retirement readiness.
Discover how incorporating your business, utilizing retirement accounts and trusts, and other asset protection methods can safeguard your personal wealth and business assets in case of a lawsuit.
Understand your inherited IRA rules and options, including withdrawal strategies, tax bracket management, and RMD requirements.
Discover the key components of a comprehensive financial plan for CPAs, covering investment strategies, tax planning, insurance, retirement, and estate planning.
Passing on your accounting firm? Learn about FLPs & LLCs to minimize tax implications and maintain control.
Learn steps to secure your digital legacy, including designating a digital executor and how to take a digital inventory.
Essential Medicare knowledge for CPAs: navigate Medicare's complexities for a smooth retirement. Learn about Parts A, B, C, and D, and optimize your healthcare plan.
Discover how a 529 College Savings Plan can help you save for college expenses tax-free - if you follow the rules and regulations.
Discover how to effectively plan for rising college costs with a 529 College Savings Plan, achieving your goals faster and smarter with strategic investments.
Retirement is full of risks, and without a careful mitigation strategy, you may be placing your retirement income sources in danger.
Will inflation ruin your retirement? Without a long-term plan in place, this retirement risk can be significantly reduced.
Explore how changes in 2024 impact CPA retirement planning, including when to claim Social Security benefits for maximum financial security
Discover the discrepancies between expected and actual retirement income sources and how to bridge any income gaps.
These tax mistakes in retirement can easily be avoided, but first you must know what they are and why they occur.
Explore how financial professionals add real value to CPAs' investment and retirement strategies, enhancing long-term financial outcomes.
Explore critical insights on ensuring your savings and planning align with the evolving landscape of retirement in 2024.
Explore how the sequence of returns risk could affect your retirement savings and learn strategies to manage this investment challenge.
Explore strategic succession planning for CPAs and its impact on your retirement in our guide, crafted to align your future with your legacy.
Explore tax-efficient retirement planning accounts and strategies tailored for small business owners and CPAs.
Explore the aspects of converting an IRA or 401(K) into an annuity. Learn when and why this financial strategy might be right for your plan.
Not yet ready for TCJA changes? CPA Retirement Solutions can guide you to safeguard your legacy and optimize your tax situation.
Is your estate prepared for the tax hikes that will happen in 2026? Discover ways to reduce your taxable estate before these changes.
Explore the distinctions between life insurance and annuities, such as benefits and costs, to effectively plan for retirement.
Sweeping changes have been made to MYGA (Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity) products that CPAs will want to pay attention to.
Explore the line between investments and insurance in financial planning, offering insights for CPAs to safeguard and grow their assets.
Explore the line between investments and insurance in financial planning, offering insights for CPAs to safeguard and grow their assets.
Navigate the complexities, pros, and cons of consolidating retirement accounts with our comprehensive guide.
Discover why even CPAs benefit from hiring a financial advisor for comprehensive financial planning and peace of mind.
Discover the benefits of IUL in retirement planning and how IUL insurance offers flexibility, tax advantages, and market loss protection.
Facing the fear that you will outlive your money? Explore the risks and solutions to secure your financial future.
Explore Roth conversions and the benefits, penalties, and timing to make an informed decision on retirement planning.
Explore the impact of Secure 2.0 on your retirement planning and the new rules on Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs).
Discover how modern CPA firms leverage technology, prioritize advisory services, and promote a healthy work-life balance in the modern era.
Discover how cloud-based software can enhance accessibility, productivity, security, and a competitive edge in CPA firms.
Uncover and explore cutting-edge KPIs for your accounting firm to measure AI and data analytics impact on it.
Blockchain stands out as one of the most promising technologies, holding immense potential to revolutionize the accounting industry."
Choosing the right retirement plan for your CPA practice is vital not only for your financial future but your employees' too.
Read five tips to effectively communicate as a CPA to garner client trust and build teamwork with other CPAs and other client advisors.
As ESG reporting expands globally, CPAs are uniquely qualified and desired to handle the complex aspects of ESG analysis and documentation.
Discover the ins and outs of annuities as a key tool for secure retirement planning and how they can provide a steady income in retirement.
The issues CPAs face in a quickly changing world can be seen as advantageous or as threats, depending on how they can adapt to them.
A carefully-planned and implemented 3-Bucket approach to retirement can help mitigate the five retirement risks, such as market volatility.
A carefully-planned and implemented 3-Bucket approach to retirement can help mitigate the five retirement risks, such as market volatility.
A carefully-planned and implemented 3-Bucket approach to retirement can help mitigate the five retirement risks, such as market volatility.
What is IRMAA? It affects everyone's retirement, and it can cost you a lot of money if you don't plan for it.
As a CPA, understanding the five risks in retirement is essential for better serving your clients and ensuring their financial future.
Here is a comprehensive list of the 2023 tax deadlines for CPAs; be careful you don't miss them or risk penalties and fines!
CPA mental health in tax season can strain to the breaking point as tax filings pile up and pressure mounts to perform with precision.
As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), staying current on the latest tax laws and regulations is essential to provide the best service for your clients. However, the stressors of tax season can cause even the most diligent CPA to neglect their own accounting practices at the expense of their future golden years. Here are some […]
As CPAs, it is essential to assist clients in making informed decisions about their retirement planning, particularly regarding Social Security benefits – and this knowledge will eventually become valuable for CPAs themselves. Improper timing can lead to thousands of lost potential dollars at a time when every dollar counts, and the consequences can last a […]
On December 29, 2022, President Biden signed the Securing a Strong Retirement Act, also known as SECURE 2.0, into law. This legislation brings about various changes to the retirement landscape. This article focuses on the tax implications for both individuals and employers, many of which significantly affect Certified Public Accountants professionally and personally. New RMD […]
Social Security is an essential source of retirement income for many Americans, including Certified Public Accountants. This holds especially true when considering the current state of retirement statistics. The combination of inadequate savings rates, prolonged retirements, and extended lifespans can easily throw a wrench even into the soundest retirement plans. Therefore, deciding when to start […]
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